This thread is about some potential changes we’re considering to Shields. We’d like to ask for player feedback and thoughts regarding the current state of shields as well as the proposed changes.

Reason for the considered changes: Small and Medium shields are far less used than Large shields as they offer little benefit beyond aesthetics. Medium Round shields are used a little more, but still offer a penalty in terms of loss of Block and Armor compared to their Larger cousins. Revamping shields to create a reason for players to use them offers more choice for players as well as flexibility to play-style.

What are the changes:

  • For starters the first change is to better standardize the armor values. They weren't consistent across types and tiers so by making them consistent and raising them slightly the armor values of shields are better.
  • The second change, and the one with the greater impact, is the adjusting of the Block values of the Shields. This change gives Smaller shields a greater block value when compared to Larger shields. The idea behind this being that you can more quickly move a smaller shield into position to block an incoming attack and it makes Smaller shields attractive when compared to Larger if Blocking attacks is your goal, but you will sacrifice significant armor to do so. As before, the Fine variety of Shields offers greater benefits than the standard variety.

    Here is a brief rundown of some selected shields across Tiers and types:


Shield Armor New Armor Block New Block
T1 Small 6 6 0 9
T1 Fine Small 12 12 0 14
T3 Medium 54 49 5 7
T3 Fine Medium 69 82 5 12
T5 Large 150 124 10 5
T5 Fine Large 174 200 10 10


FAQ:
Q: Why don’t you have Smaller shields parry instead of block?
A: This is indeed a good suggestion and is what smaller shields were traditionally used for, but unfortunately this would create a much larger headache in the game with where techniques could be applied as well as mixing the accepted game convention of Weapons Parry while Shields Block.

Q: How do Round shields fit into this change?
A: Round shields are considered to be Medium Shields for Armor and Block values.